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Research: BRIVIBA and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 82
Abstract
BRIVIBA and colleagues, Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Karlsruhe, Germany, analysed the mechanism by which beta-carotene (Vitamin A) inhibits growth of cancer cells .
Background
Epidemiological studies indicate that beta-carotene is able to modulate the risk of cancer . It has been reported to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of this effect.
Methodology
beta-Carotene was added to human colon carcinoma cells in culture, and the cells were assayed for apoptosis using the Annexin-V assay.
Results
In confluent cells, beta-carotene showed only low cytotoxic effects in concentrations up to 30 micromolar. However in growing cells, similar concentrations of beta-carotene were strongly cytotoxic and induced apoptosis . Exposure of cells to retinol, a derivative of beta-carotene, showed no such effects.
Conclusion
beta-Carotene at dietary relevant concentrations can inhibit growth of human colon carcinoma cell s in vitro by inducing apoptosis in proliferating cells.
References
Briviba K et al. Beta-carotene inhibits growth of human colon carcinoma cells in vitro by induction of apoptosis. Biological Chemistry 382 (12): 1663-8. Dec 2001.
